Archives: Review

“Much like 2012’s Old Ideas, Popular Problems is a revelation, a document of an artist continuing to produce engaging material into his eighth decade of life without sounding stale.” — Adam Kivel, Consequence Of Sound (US), September 24, 2014 Click here to read the full story

“At nine tracks in 36 minutes, Problems is the artist’s leanest disc since Various Positions in 1984, as well as one of his sharper and more musically adventurous.” — Zach Schonfeld, A.V. Club (US), September 23, 2014 Click here to read the full story

“Popular Problems is a relevant album not just because of the pertinent subject matter of the songs, which take a more sophisticated look at the state of the world than say Neil Young does with his newer songs like “Mother Earth.” Cohen’s relevance is achieved through his reinvention and the hard work he obviously dedicates towards refining his art; he has no interest in political or cultural sloganeering or playing towards the obvious sensitivities of his audience. His approach to writing has continued to develop over time.” — Douglas Heselgrave, Paste Magazine (US), September 23, 2014. Click here to read the full story

“At the age of 80, Leonard Cohen has created a masterpiece. It’s a smoky, late-night concoction delivered with a deceptively light touch that masks deep seriousness.” — Neil McCormick, The Telegraph (UK), September 23, 2014.Click here to read the full story

“The singer’s charisma is in fine form as he shares reflections on how shattering, yet widely shared external events — popular problems — temper the spirit like heat on cast iron” — Ann Powers, NPR (US), September 15, 2014.Click here to read the full story

“The only thing softer here is Cohen’s heart. He sings with more tenderness than ever before, as if love has finally fully penetrated his darkest recesses, particularly on the album’s sweet closer, “You Got Me Singing.” Love is one of those popular problems after all, and Cohen may finally be in a place where the master has become the student. It’s a beautiful bit of role reversal.”– Andrea Powers, CBC MUSIC (CA), September 14, 2014.Click here to read the full story

Even the songs grappling with big themes have a resonant, personal and idiosyncratic touch. Every languid melody and line of language is shot through with Cohen’s meditative, contemplative style. The wonderful Crazy To Love You, up there with his best songs, sees him reflect sardonically but also with genuine self-awareness… With simple, delicate moments of memorable poignancy such as Banjo or Amen, he has now made a late masterpiece. Perhaps he can rest a little now, comfortably perched at the top of the Tower of Song. — Music OMH (US), January 30, 2012 http://www.musicomh.com/albums/leonard-cohen-2_0112.htm